This practical resource demonstrates how all clinicians can broaden and enhance their work with children by integrating drawing into therapy. The book enables therapists to address the multidimensional aspects of children’s art without resorting to simplistic explanations. Approaching drawing as a springboard for communication and change, Malchiodi offers a wealth of guidelines for understanding the intricate messages embedded in children’s drawings and in the art-making process itself. Topics covered include how to assist children in making art, what questions to ask and when, and how to motivate children who are initially resistant to drawing. Assimilating extensive research and clinical experience, the book includes over 100 examples of children’s work.
Table of Content
1. A Historical Perspective on Children’s Drawings
2. Children’s Drawings in Context
3. Working with Children and Their Drawings
4. Developmental Aspects of Children’s Drawings
5. Emotional Content of Children’s Drawings
6. Interpersonal Aspects of Children’s Drawings
7. Somatic and Spiritual Aspects of Children’s Drawings
8. Ethical Considerations and Children’s Drawings
Appendix: Materials and Resources
About the author
Cathy A. Malchiodi, Ph D, ATR-BC, LPCC, LPAT, REAT, is a psychologist and expressive arts therapist specializing in trauma recovery. Since the 1990s, Dr. Malchiodi has worked with traumatized children, adolescents, adults, and families, expanding the range of understanding of nonverbal, sensory-based concepts and methods. Founder and executive director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Dr. Malchiodi has given over 700 invited keynotes, lectures, and workshops around the world, and has assisted more than 500 organizations and institutions in developing trauma-informed, expressive arts, and disaster relief programming. Her books include
Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy, Understanding Children’s Drawings, and
Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children, Second Edition. Dr. Malchiodi is a contributing writer for
Psychology Today, an active visual artist, and an aspiring musician.